UAE: A power bank exploded onboard an Air Arabia flight from Abu Dhabi to Kozhikode, Kerala, on the morning of June 20, causing panic among passengers. Flames and smoke were noticed as the plane was preparing for takeoff at Abu Dhabi airport. The passenger who owned the power bank attempted to extinguish the fire, but the cabin crew quickly intervened and successfully put out the flames. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

Following the explosion, the nervous passengers were instructed to disembark through the front exit door. However, two passengers who tried to open the rear exit doors and the passenger who owned the power bank, along with another associated individual, were not permitted to continue the flight to Kerala. Passengers were asked to delete any footage they had taken of the incident before reboarding.

Airlines typically allow power banks in hand luggage instead of check-in luggage due to the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries